Linux-firmware is a git repository full of proprietary binary files used for component firmware. These blobs are loaded onto component internal RAM at operating system boot and serve to configure the runtime behavior of the component. There is little to no visibility in terms of what these blobs do. I’m not opposed to proprietary software; it has it’s place. However, with the emphasis on open source in the Linux project, the proprietary nature of linux-firmware makes it stand out to me.
The Linux Firmware Database aims to shine light on this unknown territory.